Malavika’s Mumbaistan: Friends fly in

Who would think there’d come a day when London-based economic fugitive, Vijay Mallya, would cut such a sad figure that people would actually feel sorry for him? The beleaguered beer baron is currently said to be recovering from surgery, has his face bandaged up, and is said to be feeling rather sorry for himself in his plush London townhouse according to sources. “To cheer him up, two of his closest friends from India, Manoviraj Khosla and Raja Dhody, have both flown in to keep him company during his recovery,” says a source, adding, “Not that it’s all doom and gloom where they are, the household run by his paramour Pinky Lalwani is fit to serve a king, with excellent all-day cuisine — Indian, continental you name it — served by English butlers, and of course, all the other comforts money can buy.” One more thing, according to the sources, Nirav Modi is using the same legal team in London as Mallya, to fight his extradition charges. Why are we not surprised?

TRUE LIES

The world celebrates as Donald Trump and Kim Jong un-mark an end to hostile relations between their nations. It was a diplomatic victory for both leaders, and the media has called it “the Trump and Kim Jong un-meeting of the century”. News agencies hailed the talks between Trump and Kim Jong un-epoch-making and said it would help foster a radical switchover in the most hostile North Korea-US relations. Headlines described the meet between Trump and Kim Jong un-statesmanlike. “Trump and Kim Jong un-did decades of diplomatic policy which ensured peace in the region,” said one leading North Korean newspaper. Trump also said the drills the US conducted with South Korea would not be held. “We’re not going to be doing the war games as long as we’re negotiating in good faith,” said Trump to Kim Jong un-smiling. Meanwhile, Japan’s defense minister described the efforts of Trump and Kim Jong un-helpful. Melissa Hanham of the US-based Center for Nonproliferation Studies, however, described Pyongyang’s commitment towards denuclearisation by Kim Jong un-likely. According to news sources, in response to reporters’ queries on whether he now believed the world was a safer place, Trump smiled and said he believed so. “It’s a Kim Jong un-done deal,” he declared.

WTS

What They Say —

“The issue of damage caused to the 4, Vikramaditya Marg bungalow, after it was vacated by the former CM is an improper and serious issue, and has become a point of discussion in the media and among the people.”

— UP governor Ram Naik

What They Mean —

“Of course, the damage to the Taj Mahal — a UNESCO world heritage site, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which attracts seven to eight million visitors a year — after groups of VHP members vandalised its west gate, pales into insignificance.”

ARJUN WANEY HONOURED

Arjun Waney.

He’s probably the most successful Indian restaurateur you’ve never heard of, and our guess is Arjun Waney likes it that way. The veteran London-based businessman owns multiple famous restaurants and nightspots in the UK and around the world, including brands like Zuma, Coya, La Petite Maison and the Arts Club, amongst others, and is also the founder of the philanthropic foundation, Savitri Trust. This week, Waney’s name figured as part of a list of distinguished personalities who were awarded an OBE (Order of British Empire), in the Queen’s birthday honours, for his services to the restaurant industry. The title rewards contributions to the arts and sciences, and comprises five classes — the most senior two of them make the recipient either a knight (if male) or a dame (if female).